The Fucking Split [7-inch] (2012)

Inimical

Both Star Fucking Hipsters and Jesus Fucking Christ have a word jammed in the middle of their respective names that modifies no other word in their names. Just as that central word is powerful yet suggests a certain bluntness, both bands excel in forceful bluntness that is so calculated, it's actually precise.

Recently, SFH lead songwriter Scott Sturgeon announced that he's planning to put the band on hold while he reforms his mainstay band, Leftover Crack. But, while SFH may be ending, they go out on a high note which briefly summarizes the main aspects which made the band so unique. "Passion of the Crust" opens the split with a rapid hardcore crust screamer which shows the band paying tribute to the lo-fi '80s punk that influenced them, while retaining their skill in songcraft many of their forefathers lacked. Just as the song seems that it will be the single concept of berserk shredding, it breaks down into a explosive riff with Sturgeon howling "the passion of the crust," simultaneously describing the zeal of the crust punk adherents to the form as well possibly exclaiming that like Jesus for some, this brand of punk saved his life.

"Media Person," a Rudimentary Peni cover, follows, which might be the best (or second best) cover of the death rock group ever. Where many groups are tempted to increase the already doomy aesthetics of the song, SFH pull the reverse and set the macabre lyrics to a jumpy ska beat. The switcheroo works and creates a song that sounds jolly but upon inspection, when it is a song of paranoia and despair. SFH closes out with a modified version of the band, as SFH East Bay, which includes Sturgeon and members of crust legends Dystopia and Neurosis. "Leave in Pieces" is one of the group's most epic pieces, with multiple sections that bend and twist. The Dystopia and Neurosis pedigree is evident, as the song is built around a massive, crust metal riff that is the hardest, and most purposefully lumbering song the band has released to date. If this is how the band is going to go out, it's the way to do it.

On the flipside, long running crust band Jesus Fucking Christ, which also includes Dave Ed of Neurosis, cut through two massive crust grinds. Slightly looser than their previous releases, the band focuses on feeling over perfection. "Money Raper" comments on the current form of world economy. While the topic has been tackled before, the band is so indebted to the crust riff, which is something akin to the doom riff mixed with a metallic edge, that the song is as fresh as it is fierce. "Sadistic Madness" is more ambiguous. Also with barked vocals, the song is an ode of despair that lets the listener interpret as he or she will. While the music isn't necessarily groundbreaking, it's crust performed by experts that understand there is more to the genre than anger and poor production. Solid songwriting under the muck is what makes this side great.

It's likely that both of these acts will slow down releasing things in the future due to other commitments. It's a fitting epitaph that does suggest a possible resurrection in the future. Keep the faith.

NOTE: I'm always so confused as to why crust punks are always pickin' on poor ol' Jesus. Really, they have a lot of common. Jesus raged against contemporary government, had a bone to pick with the organized religion of the time, flipped the tables of the money lenders, walked most places, rarely took showers, had long-ish hair, only talked to his Dad when he really needed something, warned people of an impending apocalypse and had a penchant for cheap/free alcohol. Really, the only main difference between the two was that Jesus had a practical skill (carpentry) while the only apparent skill of most crust punks is the ability to avoid feeding a malnourished, stinky dog.